Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $225,000 In Federal USDA Value-Added Producer Grants For Agricultural Centers In Jefferson County

Press Release

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $225,723 in federal funding for Deluke Lawnscapes, Inc. and Thousand Island Meats, LLC in Jefferson County. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. This funding was created to promote growth for small, independent producers, by allowing them to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income overall. Specifically, Deluke Lawnscapes, Inc. will receive $175,723 in federal funds to assist the grantee with working capital needs associated with their new startup winery, Northern Flow Vineyards. Thousand Island Meats, LLC will receive $50,000 in federal funds to examine the feasibility of building a livestock processing facility in Jefferson County, New York.

"Ensuring that agriculture is able to flourish -- and the unique needs of New York agriculture are considered in federal programs -- has always been a top priority of mine," said Senator Schumer. "This direct USDA assistance will allow two Jefferson County small businesses to generate increased economic revenue by developing their products and expanding their facilities. Helping to grow our local businesses will be a win-win for our agriculture industry, North Country consumers, and the entire regional economy."

"We need our farmers to thrive if we're going to have a strong and growing economy in New York," said Senator Gillibrand, first New York Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. "These federal funds from USDA are an investment in the North Country's agricultural industry that will help producers earn more from their crops by expanding processing and marketing opportunities which will continue to drive economic growth in the region and across the state."

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